Karl WP Beyer Bergen is Norway's second largest city with more than 280.000 inhabitants. Surrounded by seven protective hills, the town is picturesquely situated on the natural harbor of Vågen. There is a claim that Bergen is the European city with the most rainfall. The amounts given vary between 191 and 240 days. The statement is not reliable. Whatever the weather conditions, Bergen is not only an attractive destination for cruise ship guests.
View from Mount Ulriken on Bergen
Bergen - the historic trading center
The founding of the city dates back to 1070. As the seat of the Norwegian kings, Bergen quickly gained importance. From the 12th century Norway's kings were crowned in Bergen, long before this tradition began Trondheim passed. In 1360, the Low German Hanseatic League established a Hanseatic office in Bergen, the "Tyske Bryggen". As a result, the city developed into one of the most important commercial cities in Northern Europe. However, Bergen was never a Hanseatic city. The trading activities contributed to the fact that Bergen was around the year 1600 with around 15.000 inhabitants the largest city in the entire Nordic region and at the same time Norway's most important port. It remained so until the end of the 18th century.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen
Bergen today - port city, economic and administrative center
The Hanseatic League is history; Bergen, however, survives as a regional center. The city benefits in particular from the port. It is one of Norway's most important ports. The maritime industries and Norwegian oil production in the "Troll gas field" 100 kilometers away are essential for the location. Mechanical engineering, steel production and electrical engineering are further industrial pillars. The fishing industry with its diverse aquacultures is also worth mentioning.
Additional sources of impetus are tourism, trade, finance, media and culture. Bergen is the administrative seat of the county (Fylke) Vestland and home to several colleges and a university. 25.000 students live in the Bergen region.
Bergen - starting point of the post ships and cruise destination
The city is the "gateway to the fjords". Hurtigruten's liner ships run regularly from Bergen to Kirkenes in Northern Norway. In addition, Bergen has developed into an important cruise destination in Norway. In 2019, around 330 cruise ships with 600.000 passengers were expected.
Skolten Kaj - berth of cruise ships
Bergen - UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture
Since 1979 the popular belongs Bryggen district to the UNESCO World Heritage. Bergen was also "European Capital of Culture 2000". The city owes this honor not least to its famous sons Edvard Grieg, Ole Bull and Harald Sæverud, all composers and musicians.
Bergen City of Culture - Kode Museum
Bergen - for cruise ship guests
Besides Bryggen, all other city attractions are within walking distance from the two cruise piers, Jekteviks Terminal and Skolten Kaj. The Jekteviks terminal is within sight of the Hurtigruten terminal. The hop-on hop-off buses and taxis wait for passengers at both locations. At Jekteviks Terminal we also saw transport options for people with restricted mobility. We report about the attractions of Bergen under Bergen sights. By the way: In 2017, the readers of the travel magazine "Condé Nast Traveler" voted Bergen one of the "best cities in Europe".
Update - June 2023